Methods for the preparation of superabsorbent particles containing carboxyalkyl cellulose

1. A method for making superabsorbent particles, comprising:

(a) blending a mixture consisting of a carboxyalkyl cellulose and galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water to provide an aqueous solution;

(b) treating the aqueous solution with a crossliniking agent selected from the group consisting of aluminum (III) compounds, titanium (IV) compounds, and bismuth (III) compounds to provide a gel;

(c) drying the gel to provide a solid; and

(d) comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carboxyalkyl cellulose has a degree of carboxyl group substitution of from about 0.3 to about 2.5.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carboxyalkyl cellulose is carboxymethyl cellulose.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the galactomannan polymer is selected from the group consisting of guar gum, locust bean gum, and tara gum.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the glucomannan polymer is konjac gum.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight galactomannan polymer or glucomannan polymer based on the total weight of carboxyalkyl cellulose.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises from about 60 to about 99 percent by weight carboxyalkyl cellulose based on the total weight of the particles.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the crosslinking agent is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 20 percent by weight based on the total weight of particles.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the particle has a size less than about 800 μm.